American actor, comedian, and writer Melissa Peterman has been making audiences laugh for over 25 years. Among her recent roles are Brenda Sparks, a recurring character in Big Bang Theory spin-off Young Sheldon and Disney sitcom Sydney to the Max. She also starred in and produced Country Music Television’s first-ever sitcom, Working Class, which became the most-watched show debut in the channel’s 25-year history.

Peterman was born in Minnesota and obtained a degree in Theatre from the state university. During the early 1990s, she established herself in the theatre and comedy scene of the state capital, Minnesota, ultimately becoming part of the city’s Brave New Workshop improvisational comedy group. Her debut film role came with a small part in 1996’s Fargo, a Coen Brothers’ comedy that won two Oscars and is preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Her real break, however, came in 2001 when she was cast as Barbara Jean Booker-Hart in Reba, a sitcom vehicle for Queen of Country music Reba McEntire. The show ran for six seasons, with Peterman appearing in over 100 episodes. Another hit sitcom involving Peterman was Baby Daddy, an ABC Family show that debuted in 2012 and ran for six seasons. Although initially cast in a minor role, Peterman impressed and upgraded to a regular role. The show won the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favourite Cable TV Comedy.

Outside of acting in successful sitcoms and performing stand-up comedy across America, Peterman gives back through her involvement with Unusual Suspects, an LA-based theatre company that works with disadvantaged youths.